What are the signs of stress?

We all experience stress differently in different situations. Sometimes you might be able to tell right away when you're feeling under stress, but other times you might keep going without recognising the signs. Stress can affect you both emotionally and physically, and it can affect the way you behave.

My head is tight and all my thoughts are whizzing round in different directions and I can't catch them.

How you might be physically affected

sexual problems, such as losing interest in sex or being unable to enjoy sex

tired all the time

grinding your teeth or clenching your jaw

headaches

chest pains

high blood pressure

indigestion or heartburn

constipation or diarrhoea

feeling sick, dizzy or fainting.

[It feels like] the world is closing in on me, I can't breathe and I'm running out of time.

This information was published in November 2017 – to be revised in 2020. References are available on request. If you would like to reproduce any of this information see our page on permissions and licensing.